There were tears and rage from contestants, judges and viewers following the biggest shock in X Factor history

It was the biggest shock in X Factor history when bookies favourite Ella Henderson was eliminated from the show – after facing deadlock against James Arthur.

The always-cool host Dermot O'Leary couldn't hide his surprise as he described “the biggest shock we've ever had," before commenting that it was “unbelievable” one of the acts would be going home.

While the quarter-finalists were being announced, the cameras showed controversial Chris Maloney mime to his family: “I'm going home”, before the jaw-dropping results were revealed.

Rex / ITV

James brought his guitar along for the occasion

But the Scouse ballad singer couldn't have been more wrong.

Boos could be heard inside the X Factor studio with the live audience unhappy with the outcome.

Ella, 16, performed first in the sing-off against James and was introduced by her mentor Tulisa who was quite clearly unhappy with the result.

Fighting back the tears, she sang an amazing version of Daniel Bedingfield's track If You're Not The One.

Next up was the acoustic-rapping sensation James, who was welcomed onto the stage by Nicole Scherzinger.

The former Pussy Cat Doll said: “One of the greatest artist and talents to ever grace this stage. I'm so proud, this is James effin' Arthur.”

It was probably the only time she could have got away with actually dropping in the F-bomb without getting into trouble but she missed her chance.

James gave it his all (we know that's cheesy but he really did – you should have seen the strains and veins on his face) with his cover of Alicia Keys' track Fallin'. A brave move considering the US singer was a guest moments earlier.

Rex / ITV

He was sad an' all

Tulisa was first to select the act she was sending home: “Can I just say this is exactly what I was talking when people are voting for the wrong people.

“These two people should be finalists and it's ridiculous. My decision is obvious, I'm sending home James even though I love you to death.”

Nicole also stood by her act: “No matter what happens today it would be a great tragedy for the show. You are meant for the stars my love, but I've got to stand up for my boy. I'm sending home Ella.”

Veteran judge Louis Walsh said: “I'm in shock. I hate seeing these two girls so upset. Ella you have so much potential and so much more to give.

“James, I think you're amazing and a ready made act for a record deal... but the act I'm sending home is James.”

Gary Barlow added: “We are [supposed to be] voting for the best singers every week I always knew it was coming to this. I'm right behind James from the start so I'm sending home Ella.”

ITV / Rex

DEADLOCK: When judges are scared they might get lynched for voting either way

Dermot received the card of doom like the 'all important DNA results' on the Jeremy Kyle show and revealed it was Ella who was eliminated from the X Factor – sending James Arthur into the quarter-finals next week.

Ella graciously said: “This year the talent on the show is incredible and everyone deserves to be in the final. Thank you so much everyone.”

Before she revealed the highlight of her time on the X Factor as “meeting the contestants, I love them all. But also performing on this stage, I've grown so much as a person and that's what I'm taking with me.”